Is there anything in the world lovlier than fresh warm bread and a mug of sweet golden tea

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Top 5 Things to Eat in Paris

When I planned my trip to Paris, I paid little attention to museums and art and all those things first time tourists think about. In fact, I only had two spots on my to-do list - Pierre Herme and Laduree. But because you can't live on pastry alone (well, you can, but let's say you need some variety!), I also bookmarked this highly informative post from my favorite American in Paris, David Lebovitz.

I stayed pretty close to the program, even though an occasional trip to Eiffel Tower or art gazing at a museum crept in, a temporary diversion from the feast in Paris. From all those meals, I've culled for you five things you should not even think about missing if you find yourself in Paris:

1. Start your day at Pierre Herme with a fantastic croissant. Or better still, a kugelof or a buttery koign amman.

2. If you find yourself at Pierre Herme after breakfast time, treat yourself to an ishpahan.

3. Or go to Laduree instead. You can linger in their tea room. But what's the fun in that. Instead, tell them to pack you as many salted caramel macarons as you can carry and eat them as you walk around the city or sit in a park.

4. People will tell you Angelina has the best hot chocolate in the world. On this, I disagree. But I urge you to go there anyway and eat a pain aux raisin. What makes this flaky confection different, and better, at Angelina is the addition of candied orange peel.

5. This is going to sound like really strange. But the best meal I had in Paris was a falafel. Guided by David to L'As du Fallafel, I found a crowded hole in the wall making the most amazing falafels.

But then, the best meals of Paris are not in any of its restaurants or cafes. What you need to do is make your way to Rue Cler, a pedestrian lane near Eiffel Tower. And there, you buy a grainy baguette, some soft cheese (tell the cheese shop what kinds you like, and let them find the perfect one for you) and fruits. Mirabelle plums were in season when I was there, and so were little wild strawberries. Add a bottle of wine and take it all back to your hotel for a picnic. Or better still, do as Parisians do - find a sunny spot on the bank of Seine and spread your picnic. A better meal you will not find anywhere else in the city!

I am too excited after reading this. Did u try the chocolate chaud from Herme?!I did not know about Angelina at all. I must try the pain aux raisin. Ofcourse not there, but right in my home. :(. I know you had a nice time. I too will prefer a foodie trail in Paris. I am imagining the Laduree tea room.A picnic on the banks of Seine, now I know what I am missing...